Villages on the Lake
One lake, a thousand emotions to experience
The villages reflected in Lake Iseo
Sarnico, Lovere, Iseo, Sulzano, Sale Marasino, Marone, Pisogne, Costa Volpino, Castro, Riva di Solto, Tavernola Bergamasca, Clusane, Predore, and the hamlets of Monte Isola – Peschiera Maraglio, Sensole, Carzano and Siviano – form a constellation of villages bordering its waters.
Monte Isola, the heart of the lake
The largest lake island in Europe, with its fishing hamlets and its alleys suspended between lake and sky.
Discover Monte IsolaCastro
Castro’s origins date back to Roman times. The ancient fortified village, built on the remains of a fortress destroyed in 1437, preserves a beautiful Proto-Romanesque temple. The historic core is located in the Rocca area, where the small Church of St. Lawrence stands (feast day on August 10). Along the lakeshore you’ll find the promenade, the scenic lakeside road toward Sarnico with beautiful photo spots, and the bridge where the Tinazzo stream flows into the lake, featuring a terrace and a bronze book engraved with verses by Raul Montanari. Nearby are the Tinazzo Gorge Park, the Orrido gorge, the Stross Trail, the Balot del Grè glacial boulder, and a limestone climbing cliff. Castro can be reached by bus and, from late March to late September, also by boat.
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Costa volpino
Costa Volpino is strategically located between the beginning of the Val Camonica and where the Oglio River flows into Lake Iseo. The town has a typically industrial urban character, combined with areas of remarkable natural beauty. Worth visiting are the historic centers of Corti and Volpino with the parish church of Santo Stefano and a 16th-century altarpiece, Qualino with the Church of Sant’Ambrogio and panoramic views over Lake Iseo and lower Val Camonica, Branico with the frescoed parish church of St. Bartholomew, and Ceratello with the parish church of St. George. The area also offers the Oglio Bird Park, the Oglio Cycle Path, and routes leading toward Lovere, Bossico and the Magnolini Mountain Hut.
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Iseo
The main town of the lake and a lively commercial and tourist center, Iseo preserves the layout of its medieval village with narrow streets and tower houses, elegant shops, numerous restaurants and many sports activities. Highlights include Piazza Garibaldi with the Garibaldi monument, the Town Hall and the Church of Santa Maria del Mercato; Oldofredi Castle and the nearby Sanctuary of Madonna della Neve; the Pieve of Sant’Andrea with a painting by Hayez; and the Church of San Silvestro with its famous “Dance of Death.” Other attractions include Palazzo dell’Arsenale, the Friday market, the gastronomic village of Clusane, boat excursions on the lake, walks along the Ancient Valeriana Road, and the Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve.
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Lovere
Listed among “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy,” Lovere lies between lake and mountains and resembles a grand amphitheater of elegant palaces. It was famously described by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu as “the most romantic place I have ever seen in my life.” Must-see sites include the Tadini Gallery with works by Canova, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Valvendra, the Sanctuary of Saints Capitanio and Gerosa, the old town with its Civic Tower, the Natural Science Museum and the marina. The lakeside promenades and trails toward San Giovanni in Monte Cala also offer unforgettable experiences between water and rock.
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Marone
Located between Iseo and Pisogne, Marone stretches along the lakeshore. Once known for wool and felt production, it is now famous for olive cultivation, earning it the name “City of Olive Oil,” as well as for its many hiking trails leading to the Croce di Marone and Monte Guglielmo. Main attractions include the remains of a Roman villa, the Church of San Pietro in Vinculis, the Sanctuary of Madonna della Rota with frescoes by Giovanni da Marone, the parish church of St. Martin of Tours, and the hamlet of Vello with the Church of Santa Eufemia. The scenic Vello–Toline cycling and walking path is also a highlight.
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Paratico
Paratico lies on the southwestern shore of Lake Iseo and is connected to Sarnico by a border bridge, making the two towns appear almost as one. It is an excellent starting point for exploring both the lake and the Franciacorta wine region. Points of interest include the remains of the Castle and the Lantieri Tower, the neo-Gothic Oselanda building in the Municipal Park, and the “Avenue of Faces.” Other highlights are the Dancing Herbs Park with traces of industrial archaeology, the Taxodi Forest with the Quadrisphere sculpture, water sports, boat tours, and cycling routes.
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Pisogne
Located at the northern end of the eastern shore of Lake Iseo, Pisogne combines a lakeside and mountain atmosphere with a historic center of arcades and pastel-colored palaces. Worth visiting are Piazza Corna Pellegrini with the Bishop’s Tower, the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the churches of Santa Maria in Silvis and Santa Maria della Neve, famous for their stunning frescoes by Romanino. Pisogne is also a great base for cycling and hiking (Oglio Cycle Path, Ancient Valeriana Road, and the Toline-Trentapassi via ferrata) and for boat trips to Lovere.
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Predore
Predore is a small lakeside town that combines boatyards and climbing cliffs with small beaches, scenic trails and lively local venues, offering many tourist activities. Highlights include the Foresti Tower, the Sanctuary of Madonna della Neve reached by 288 steps, charming stone alleys, and historic churches such as San Giorgio and the former Church of San Giovanni Battista. The visitable Roman Baths are a must-see, while panoramic trekking and rock climbing on the Predore cliff are perfect for sports enthusiasts.
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Riva di Solto
Riva di Solto is a small medieval village on Lake Iseo, peaceful and romantic, with historic buildings, gardens and a very scenic lakeside promenade. Notable sites include frescoed churches such as San Nicola, San Bernardino and San Cassiano in Gargarino, as well as the tower with remains of the ancient fortress. Don’t miss the spectacular Orrido del Bogn gorge and panoramic hikes such as the Big Bench viewpoint and the “Sebino Nature” loop trail.
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Sale Marasino
Overlooking Lake Iseo, Sale Marasino was once chosen as a summer residence by noble families and still preserves elegant villas, most notably Villa Martinengo-Villagana with its large park. Visitors can explore art-rich churches such as the parish church of San Zenone, the former Church of San Pietro dei Disciplini and several religious buildings in the hillside hamlets. It is also an excellent starting point for reaching Monte Isola (with frequent ferries), walking the Ancient Valeriana Road, or tackling more challenging hikes such as Punta Almana.
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Sarnico
Sarnico lies between Lake Iseo and the Val Calepio valley and offers spacious squares, a lakeside promenade, shops and tourist services, making it an ideal place to stay. Points of interest include the Contrada in the historic center, the Liberty-style villas designed by Giuseppe Sommaruga, and the Gianni Bellini Art Gallery in Palazzo Gervasoni. Nearby, visitors can enjoy excursions among villages and castles of Val Calepio and hikes toward Corno Buco and Monte Bronzone.
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Sulzano
Sulzano is a characteristic lakeside village and an important reference point for sailing. It is also the most convenient port for reaching Monte Isola thanks to frequent ferries. Highlights include the parish church of San Giorgio on the hillside, the Church of Saints Fermo and Rustico along the Ancient Valeriana Road, and the romantic lakeside quarter. Don’t miss the panoramic view from Santa Maria del Giogo, boat trips around the three islands, and scenic trekking routes nearby.
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Tavernola bergamasca
Tavernola Bergamasca is a lakeside village with a charming promenade and a historic center perched on the hillside. Key attractions include the Fenaroli Tower, the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, and the Romanesque parish church of San Pietro with frescoes by Romanino. Visitors should also try the local sour cherry cake and explore excursions toward Monte Isola and the nearby historic hamlets.
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